Top 10 Mandolin Songs for All Skill Levels
Learning
The mandolin is a versatile instrument that shines in bluegrass, folk, and traditional music. Whether you're a beginner, intermediate, or advanced player, learning new songs is a great way to improve your technique and expand your repertoire. Below, you'll find 10 recommended mandolin tunes available in multiple difficulty levels and styles. Plus, you can use our "Lick Switcher" feature to customize the tablature and make each song your own.
1. Old Joe Clark
A bluegrass classic that's approachable for beginners but offers plenty of opportunities for intermediate and advanced players to add embellishments and creative licks.
Find the Old Joe Clark tablature here.
2. Angeline the Baker
A common jam tune and instrumental "fiddle tune" that's great for beginners working on timing and melody, but also offers advanced embellishments for experienced players.
Find the Angeline the Baker tablature here.
3. Whiskey Before Breakfast
A staple of jam sessions, this tune helps build speed and precision. Use the Lick Switcher to experiment with different phrasing styles and create your unique version.
Find the Whiskey Before Breakfast tablature here.
4. Arkansas Traveler
This lively tune challenges your dexterity while introducing exciting melodic runs. It’s perfect for players looking to add a playful tune to their repertoire.
Find the Arkansas Traveler tablature here.
5. Kentucky Waltz
A beautiful and expressive tune, perfect for mastering slow tempos and the "waltz" feel while adding emotional depth to your playing. This piece is an excellent choice for learning phrasing and dynamics.
Find the Kentucky Waltz tablature here.
6. Red Haired Boy
A cheerful and well-loved "fiddle tune" that sounds fantastic on the mandolin. The tablature is available in simplified and advanced melodic arrangements.
Find the Red Haired Boy tablature here.
7. Blackberry Blossom
A challenging yet rewarding tune, great for building speed and fretboard familiarity. Experiment with both traditional and modern arrangements using the Lick Switcher.
Find the Blackberry Blossom tablature here.
8. Salt Creek
This upbeat fiddle tune is perfect for practicing scales and alternate picking. It's provided in different levels so you can gradually master it as you progress.
Find the Salt Creek tablature here.
9. Jerusalem Ridge
This haunting melody is a favorite among advanced players, with plenty of room for stylistic interpretation. Try swapping out licks to explore its full potential.
Find the Jerusalem Ridge tablature here.
10. Gold Rush
An upbeat bluegrass standard with catchy melodies and rhythmic drive. Use the Lick Switcher to adapt the tune to your preferred style, from traditional to modern.
Find the Gold Rush tablature here.
Why Learn Mandolin Songs in Different Styles?
Each of these songs comes with tablature in multiple difficulty levels, making it easy to find a version that suits your skill level. Whether you’re a beginner looking to build foundational skills or an advanced player exploring intricate licks, there’s something here for everyone.
Additionally, our "Lick Switcher" feature allows you to swap out licks within the tablature, so you can create personalized arrangements and mix different styles. From traditional bluegrass to celtic style licks and beyond, this feature unlocks endless possibilities for creativity and growth as a mandolin player.
Start exploring these songs today and bring your mandolin playing to the next level!